Tape applicator assembly and tape assembly

ABSTRACT

A tape applicator assembly for securing tape to a surface includes a body and may include a centering and locking assembly configured to automatically center and lock a tape assembly within the body for dispensing. The tape applicator assembly may further be configured for securing tape to at least one cable and a surface, wherein the body includes a tape-receiving cavity defined for receiving a tape assembly having tape with a tape center longitudinal axis. A tape applying assembly may be defined within the body that is configured to adhere the tape to both the at least one cable and the surface. A cable alignment assembly may also be defined within the body that is configured to receive at least one cable positioned against the surface and substantially align the at least one cable with the tape center longitudinal axis.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/601,391, filed Jan. 21, 2015, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/166,656, filed Jan. 28, 2014, and Ser.No. 14/167,557, filed Jan. 29, 2014, the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety. This application alsoclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/057,846, filedSep. 30, 2014, and 62/084,474, filed Nov. 25, 2014, the disclosures ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Gaffer tape is a specialized type of pressure-sensitive adhesive tapethat is often used in the entertainment industry for securing cables tothe stage floor or other surface, either for safety or to keep them outof view of the audience or camera. It is also widely used byaudio-visual departments in hotels and conference centers for holdingdown wires to podiums and stages.

A “gaffer” or other technician will often run one or more cables(hereinafter sometimes referred to as a “cable run”) between two or morelocations and then tape the cables to a surface. For instance, the cablerun may extend between an electrical outlet and audio equipment, withthe cable run taped to the floor, wall, or other surface. Before tapingthe cable run, or as the cable run is being taped to the surface, it isoften desired to bundle, straighten, and pull the cable run taught.Aligning and bundling the cable run as it is being taped createsstraighter tape lines, minimizes the strips of tapes used, reduces anytripping hazards, and makes the taped cable run more aestheticallypleasing.

It can be appreciated that aligning and bundling the cable run in thismanner is a labor-intensive, imperfect process. The gaffer must bundle,align, and pull the cable run with one hand while taping the cable runto a surface with the other hand. Thus, an improved device and methodfor securing aligned, bundled, taught cable(s) to a surface is desired.

As mentioned above, gaffer tape is a specialized type ofpressure-sensitive adhesive tape often used to tape a cable run to asurface. The pressure-sensitive adhesive is sufficiently strong tosecure the cable run to a surface until the tape is manually removedwith a predetermined amount of force. Although gaffer tape is designedto be cleanly removed from cables (unlike a tackier tape such as ducttape), the tape can still get wrapped around or folded between thecable(s), causing the tape to stick to itself during the removalprocess. Moreover, when cables are “gaffed” often, adhesive residuebuilds up on the cables, making it more difficult to remove the tapefrom the cable. Thus, it can be further appreciated that an improvedtape assembly suitable for use in gaffing cables is also desired.

SUMMARY

A tape applicator assembly for securing tape to a surface includes abody and may include a centering and locking assembly configured toautomatically center and lock a tape assembly within the body fordispensing. The tape applicator assembly may further be configured forsecuring tape to at least one cable and a surface, wherein the bodyincludes a tape-receiving cavity defined for receiving a tape assemblyhaving tape with a tape center longitudinal axis. A tape applyingassembly may be defined within the body that is configured to adhere thetape to both the at least one cable and the surface. A cable alignmentassembly may also be defined within the body that is configured toreceive at least one cable positioned against the surface andsubstantially align the at least one cable with the tape centerlongitudinal axis. This summary is provided to introduce a selection ofconcepts in a simplified form that are further described below in theDetailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify keyfeatures of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used asan aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of thisinvention will become more readily appreciated by reference to thefollowing detailed description, when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an environmental isometric view of a tape applicator assemblyand tape assembly, wherein the tape applicator assembly and tapeassembly are shown in use taping a cable run to a surface;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a taped cable run of FIG. 1, takensubstantially across line 2-2;

FIG. 3 is a partial top isometric view of the tape applicator assemblyand tape assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial bottom isometric view of the tape applicatorassembly and tape assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tape applicator assemblyand tape assembly of FIG. 3, taken substantially across line 5-5,wherein the tape applicator assembly and tape assembly is shown in usetaping cables to a surface; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the tape applicator assembly andtape assembly of FIG. 3, taken substantially across line 6-6;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the tape assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8A is a bottom isometric view of a first alternate embodiment of atape applicator assembly, wherein the tape applicator assembly is shownin use taping a cable to a surface;

FIG. 8B is a top isometric view of the tape applicator assembly of FIG.8A, wherein a portion of the tape applicator assembly has been removedfor illustration; and

FIG. 9 is a front isometric view of a second alternate embodiment of atape applicator assembly, wherein the tape applicator assembly is shownin use taping cables to a surface;

FIG. 10 is a rear isometric view of the tape applicator assembly of FIG.9;

FIG. 11 is a bottom isometric view of the tape applicator assembly ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a partially broken away isometric view of a portion of thetape applicator assembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the tape applicator assembly of FIG. 9,wherein the tape applicator assembly is shown taping cables to asurface;

FIG. 14 is a bottom isometric view of a third alternate embodiment of atape applicator assembly;

FIG. 15 is a front isometric view of a fourth alternate embodiment of atape applicator assembly, wherein the tape applicator assembly is shownin use taping cables in a corner;

FIG. 16 is a side isometric view of the tape applicator assembly of FIG.15;

FIG. 17 is a bottom isometric view of the tape applicator assembly ofFIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the tape applicator assembly of FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is an isometric view of a first alternative embodiment of acentering and locking assembly of the tape applicator assembly of FIG.1; and

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a second alternative embodiment of acentering and locking assembly of the tape applicator assembly of FIG.1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A tape applicator assembly 10 and tape assembly 12 formed in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may best be seenby referring to FIG. 1. Referring additionally to FIG. 2, the tapeapplicator assembly 10 is configured to bundle, align, and tighten oneor more cables C in a cable run R and tape the cable run R to a surfaceS. Although the tape applicator assembly 10 will be described as beingused to tape a cable run R to a surface, it should be appreciated thatthe tape applicator assembly 10 may be used for any suitable purpose.For instance, the tape applicator assembly 10 may be used with a tapeassembly 12 comprising gaffer tape suitable for taping cables to asurface. In the alternative, the tape applicator assembly 10 may be usedwith a tape assembly 12 comprising another suitable tape for temporarilyfixing or labeling equipment, marking seating diagrams, walls, walkways,boundaries, etc. Thus, it should be appreciated that the descriptionsand illustrations provided herein should not be seen as limiting thescope of the claimed subject matter.

The tape applicator assembly 10 includes a body 14 and a handle assembly18 secured thereto. The handle assembly 18 is suitable for pushing,steering, and manipulating the body 14 against a surface. Although anysuitable handle assembly may be used, in the depicted embodiment, thehandle assembly 18 includes a stem 22 extending upwardly from the body14, which may be pivotally connected to the body 14 through a pivotconnection 28 or through any suitable means. The stem 22 may beadjustable in length, and it may be removable in the event that the userdesires to grasp the body 14 for use. A suitable handle 24 is defined atthe distal end of the stem 22 for grasping the handle assembly 18.Additional gripping devices, handles, etc., may be secured to the stem22 for suitably pushing, steering, and manipulating the body 14 againsta surface.

The body 14 is suitable for removably receiving a portion of the tapeassembly 12 and taping a cable run R to a surface. Prior to taping thecable run R to a surface, the body 14 gathers, aligns, bundles, andtightens one or more cables C for creating an aesthetically-pleasing,safe, taped cable run R.

Referring to FIGS. 3-6, aspects of the body 14 for gathering, aligning,bundling, tightening, and taping one or more cables to a surface willnow be described in detail. Referring specifically to FIG. 3, the body14 includes an upper portion 32 having a tape-receiving cavity 36defined between a rear portion 40 and a front portion 44. The handlestem 22 is pivotally secured to the rear portion 40 for pushing the body14 forward over and along the desired cables on a surface.

A cable alignment assembly is defined within the body 14 for receivingand substantially aligning one or more cables positioned against asurface as the body moves along the surface. The cable alignmentassembly may include an alignment device, such as a laser 46 or otherlight-centering mechanism, secured to or otherwise defined on the frontportion 44. The laser 46 may project a beam onto the surface to helpguide the user in taping a straight line of cables.

The cable alignment assembly further includes a front cable opening 48that is defined at a front end of the body 14 beneath the laser 46 thatis suitable for receiving one or more cables positioned against asurface as the tape applicator assembly 10 is moved along the cables onthe surface. Referring to FIG. 4, the front cable opening 48 is incommunication with a funnel 52 that extends rearwardly along a bottom,interior, open surface of the body 14 and terminates in a rear cableopening 54. The funnel 52 tapers in width between the front and rearcable openings 48 and 54 for gathering and bundling the cables prior tobeing taped.

The funnel 52 may include a removable and/or adjustable rear funnelpiece 56 at the rear end of the funnel 52 for adjusting the size of therear cable opening 54. In the depicted embodiment, the rear funnel piece56 is removably secured within the bottom of the body 14 by suitablesnap-fit technology or other suitable means. The rear funnel piece 56may be removed and replaced/interchanged with another rear funnel piecedefining a larger or smaller rear cable opening 54 to bundle more orless cables for taping. In the alternative, the rear funnel piece 56 mayinclude adjustment means for adjusting the size of the rear cableopening 54 without necessitating the removal of any pieces.

It should be appreciated that the size and shape of the rear funnelpiece 56 may be configured to position one or more cables to be taped ina desired manner. For instance, the rear funnel piece 56 may include asmall central opening to center and tape a single cable to a surfacewith tape. As another example, the rear funnel piece 56 may include adeeper and wider opening to center and bundle several cables for taping.As yet another example, the rear funnel piece 56 may include a wider,shallower opening for positioning several cables side by side for taping(see FIG. 2). Thus, it can be appreciated that the size, shape, andconfiguration of the rear funnel piece 56 may be designed for use in anydesired configuration.

The cable alignment assembly further includes a suitable biasing ortensioning member and is positioned rear of the funnel 52 for applyingpressure and tension to the one or more cables as they are fed throughthe body 14. In the depicted embodiment, the tensioning member isembodied as a flat spring 60 configured to bias the funneled cables Caway from the body 14 (i.e., toward the surface) as the body 14 is beingmoved along the cables C on the surface S. In that regard, the flatspring 60 is secured at its upper end to an interior portion of the body14 and extends downwardly past the bottom, interior, open surface of thebody 14 and toward the rear of the body 14 in an original, unbiasedstate. The flat spring 60 is movable into an upwardly flexed, biasedposition when engaged with the cables C. In the biased position, theflat spring 60 continuously engages and urges the cables C toward thesurface S. By continuously applying tension to the cables, the cablesare pulled taught and straight and are maintained in their centered,bundled positioned as tape is applied.

A tape applying assembly is defined within the body 14 and is incommunication with the cable alignment assembly for applying tape to thealigned, bundled, tightened cables positioned on a surface. The tapeapplying assembly includes a rear wheel assembly 66 positioned rear ofthe flat spring 60 for applying tape to both the cables C and thesurface S.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the rear wheel assembly 66 includes a middletape applying portion 70 disposed between lateral rear rolling wheels 74and 78. The lateral rear rolling wheels 74 and 78 are disposed on eachlateral interior side of the body 14 and are journaled for rotationwithin the body 14 in any suitable manner, such as by a pin or rod (notlabeled) extending through the rear wheel assembly 66 and rotatablyreceived each lateral interior side of the body 14. The rear wheelassembly 66 is disposed within the body 14 such that the lateral rearrolling wheels 74 and 78 protrude from the bottom, rear, open surface ofthe body 14 for allowing the body 14 to roll against a desired surface.

In that regard, lateral front rolling wheels 82 and 86 protrude from thebottom, front surface of the body 14 on each lateral interior side ofthe body 14 to allow the body 14 to easily roll along a desired surface.The lateral front rolling wheels 82 and 86 may be positioned on eachlateral side of the funnel 52 and may be journaled for rotation withinthe body 14 in any suitable manner, such as by a pin or rod (notlabeled) rotatably extending through each front rolling wheel 82 and 86and rotatably disposed within the respective lateral interior side ofthe body 14. With the rear and front lateral rolling wheels 74, 78, 82,and 86 disposed on the interior of the body 14, the body 14 may beeasily positioned against a sidewall or other object as the body 14 ismoved along a surface.

The middle tape applying portion 70 disposed between the lateral rearrolling wheels 74 and 78 is configured to apply tape and pressure to thebundled cables and the surface for securing the cables to a surface. Inthat regard, the middle tape applying portion 70 is sufficiently pliableto apply pressure to both the cables and the surface as it rolls alongboth. More specifically, the middle tape applying portion 70 radiallydeforms, compresses, etc., in a middle portion to apply pressure to thecables. The middle tape applying portion 70 also radially deforms,compresses, etc. in lateral portions to apply pressure to the surface oneach side of the cables and to accommodate the surface contour. Themiddle and lateral portions can deform as needed to continuously andevenly apply pressure to the cables and any uneven surface. In thatregard, with the tape disposed between the middle tape applying portion70 and the cables/surface, the tape is adhered to both the cables andthe surface as the middle tape applying portion 70 is rolled along thecables.

To accommodate the compression of the middle tape applying portion 70,the lateral rear rolling wheels 74 and 78 are sufficiently smaller indiameter than the middle tape applying portion 70. In this manner, whenthe middle tape applying portion 70 compresses to apply pressure to thecables/surface, the lateral rear rolling wheels 74 and 78 engage thesurface to allow the body 14 to roll along the surface. However, itshould be appreciated that the lateral rear rolling wheels 74 and 78 mayinstead be eliminated, with the body 14 rolling along the surface solelythrough the middle tape applying portion 70.

The middle tape applying portion 70 may be made from any suitablematerial for sufficiently applying pressure to both the cables and thesurface. For instance, the middle tape applying portion 70 may be madefrom foam, rubber, or another suitable material. It should beappreciated that the middle tape applying portion 70 may instead besubstantially rigid with a center radial groove for receiving the cablesand lateral portions on each side of the groove for engaging thesurface. The groove would be of a sufficient depth to apply pressure tothe cables while the lateral portions maintained pressure on thesurface. Thus, it should be appreciated that any suitable configurationfor simultaneously applying pressure to the bundled cables and thesurface may be used.

As noted above, tape is fed between the middle tape applying portion 70and the cables/surface such that the middle tape applying portion 70 maysimultaneously apply tape to both the cables and the surface. The tapeis dispensed from the tape assembly 12 secured within the tapeapplicator assembly 10.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, a portion of the tape assembly 12 and thestructure for securing the tape assembly 12 within the tape applicatorassembly 10 will now be described in detail. The tape assembly 12includes a tape roll 90 wound around or otherwise positionedcircumferentially on a core 94. The core 94 is substantially cylindricalin shape and defines a core axial length that accommodates the width ofthe tape roll 90. The core 94 may be any suitable core axial length toaccommodate various size tape rolls, such as 2 inches, 3 inches, etc.The core 94 also defines an interior cylindrical opening extending alongthe core axial length. The hollow cylindrical opening has an interiorcore diameter that is sized and configured to receive a hub 98, which isremovably securable within the tape-receiving cavity 36 of the body 14to secure the tape assembly 12 within the tape applicator 10.

The hub 98, like the core 94, is cylindrical in shape and is defined bya web assembly 116 extending between an exterior cylindrical bodyportion 120 and an interior cylindrical body portion 122, with a centeraxial through-hole 118 extending axially through the interiorcylindrical body portion 122. It should be appreciated that the webassembly 116 decreases the cost and weight of the hub 98; however, thehub 98 may instead be defined by a solid body extending between theexterior and interior cylindrical body portions 120 and 122.

The hub 98 defines an exterior diameter that is substantially equal tothe interior diameter of the core 94. In this manner, the core 94 may beremovably, yet securely disposed on the hub 98 for use within the tapeapplicator assembly 10. The 98 defines a hub axial length that is sizedto be removably received within the core 94. The hub 98 may have anysuitable axial length to accept various-sized cores 94 while at the sametime being sized and configured to be received within the tape-receivingcavity 36 of the body 14.

A core centering and locking assembly 100 is defined between the core 94and hub 98 for securing and centering the core 94 onto the hub 98.Although any suitable centering and locking assembly may be used, in thedepicted embodiment, the core centering and locking assembly 100comprises a first locking feature, such as a protrusion or nub 102,defined on the exterior surface of the hub 98 that is receivable withina second locking feature, such as an annular groove 106, defined on theinterior surface of the core 94 to secure the core 94 onto the hub 98.It should be appreciated that the nub 102 may instead be defined on thehub 98, and the annular groove 106 defined on the core 94.

The nub 102 and annular groove 106 are positioned on the hub 98 and core94, respectively, such that the core 94 is automatically centeredaxially on the hub 98 when the nub 102 is received within the annulargroove 106. In other words, the nub 102 is substantially centeredaxially on the hub 98, and the annular groove 106 is substantiallycentered axially on the core 94. In this manner, the core 94 will beautomatically centered axially on the hub 98 when the nub 102 isreceived within the annular groove 106. With the groove 106 centeredaxially on the core 94, it should be appreciated that regardless of itsaxial length (i.e., 1 inch in axial length, 2 inches in axial length, 3inches in axial length, etc.), the core 94 will be automaticallycentered on the hub 98.

The tape assembly 12 is further secured on the hub 98 through a hublocking assembly 110. The hub locking assembly 110 is defined by a shaft130 secured within the body 14 and extending into the tape-receivingcavity 36. The shaft 130 includes an anchor 134 defined at a first endthat is secured within an anchor protrusion 138 extending upwardly fromone side of the body 14. The shaft 130 extends into the tape-receivingcavity 36 substantially transversely to the anchor protrusion 138 suchthat the shaft 130 is substantially parallel to the bottom surface ofthe body 14.

With the shaft 130 extending into the tape-receiving cavity 36 in thismanner, the hub 98 may be removably and rotatably secured on the shaft130 for securing a desired tape roll 90 within the tape applicatorassembly 10. The hub 98 may be removably and rotatably secured on theshaft 130 by passing the shaft 130 though the center through-hole 118.When received on the shaft 130, the hub 98 is rotatable about the centerlongitudinal axis of the shaft 130 for dispensing tape.

A bearing subassembly 114 is defined between the shaft 130 and hub 98 toaccommodate the rotation of the hub 98. Although any suitable bearingsubassembly may be used, the bearing subassembly 114 includes first andsecond flanged bushings 144 and 148 disposed at each end of the shaft130 between the shaft 130 and the interior cylindrical body portion 122of the hub 98. In that regard, a cylindrical gap is defined between theexterior surface of the shaft 130 and the interior surface of theinternal cylindrical body portion 122 for receiving the first and secondflanged bushings 144 and 148. The first and second flanged bushings 144and 148 may be secured within the center through-hole 118 of the hub 98such that the bushings 144, 148 and the hub 98 are an assembled unit foreasier assembly and disassembly.

The hub locking assembly 110 further includes a fastening subassembly152 configured for selectively locking the hub 98 onto the shaft 130.The fastening subassembly 152 may include a fastener 156, such as abolt, threadably receivable within a threaded opening (not labeled) in asecond end of the shaft 130 (opposite the anchor 134). A knob 160 isintegrally formed on or otherwise secured on the fastener 156 near thehead of the fastener such that the threaded end of the fastenerprotrudes from the knob 160. The knob 160 is suitably graspable by auser for applying torque to the fastener 156 and securing the threadedend of the fastener 156 within the shaft 130. A washer 164 is disposedbetween the knob 160 and the hub 98 for allowing the knob 160 to beselectively engaged with and tightened against the hub 98. By tighteningthe knob 160 against the hub 98, the ease of which the hub 98 may rotateon the shaft 130 may be adjusted.

Referring to FIG. 7, an exemplary embodiment of a tape assembly 12having a tape roll 90 will now be described in further detail. The taperoll 90 is defined by an elongated piece of tape 164 wound around thecore 94. The tape 164 includes an exterior surface 168 and an opposite,interior surface 172. A pressure sensitive adhesive 176 is disposed onthe interior surface 172 and is removably secured to the exteriorsurface 168 when configured on the roll 90.

The pressure sensitive adhesive 176 includes a middle adhesive portion180 extending along a center longitudinal axis of the tape on theinterior surface 172 of the tape 164. The middle adhesive portion 180 isdisposed between first and second lateral adhesive portions 184 and 188,which are sufficiently tacky to be removably adhered to a desiredsurface, such as a floor or wall.

The middle adhesive portion 180 is configured to removably adhere to thebundled cables C being taped to the surface S. In that regard, themiddle adhesive portion 180 is sufficiently wide to cover and engage thealigned, bundled cables passing through the tape applicator assembly 10.The width of the middle adhesive portion 180 may be varied on differenttape rolls to accommodate cable bundles of different sizes.

The middle adhesive portion 180 is also less tacky than the first andsecond lateral adhesive portions 184 and 188 for releasably engaging thebundled cables. The middle adhesive portion 180 may be defined by a lesstacky adhesive covering substantially the entire middle adhesive portion180. In the alternative, the middle adhesive portion 180 may be definedby a pattern of adhesive coating (such as longitudinal or horizontalstripes, dots, etc.) that creates an overall less tacky area. Thus, itshould be appreciated that the less tacky middle adhesive portion 180may be defined in any suitable manner.

As noted above, typical gaffer tape includes a pressure-sensitiveadhesive covering the entire interior surface of the tape that issufficiently strong to secure the cable run to a surface until the tapeis manually removed with a predetermined amount of force. The adhesiveneeds to be sufficiently strong to safely adhere to a desired surfacewithout being easily removed due to foot traffic, etc. However, thisstronger adhesive can cause the tape to become wrapped around or foldedbetween the cable(s), causing the tape to stick to itself during theremoval process. Moreover, when cables are “gaffed” often, adhesiveresidue builds up on the cables, making it more difficult to remove thetape from the cable.

With the middle adhesive portion 180 defining a channel of decreasedtackiness, the tape 164 may be easily removed from the cables when thetape 164 is pulled up from the surface. If the middle adhesive portion180 is at least somewhat tacky (e.g., a semi-dry channel), the tape 164can stick to the cables and help maintain the alignment and straightnessof the cables when being taped to the surface. For instance, the middleadhesive portion 180 may be between about 10-30% of the tackiness of thefirst and second lateral adhesive portions 184 and 188. However, itshould be appreciated that the middle adhesive portion 180 may insteadhave no adhesive (e.g., a dry channel), or it may have greater than 30%tackiness, if desired. In other words, the middle adhesive portion 180may be between 0-99% of the tackiness of the first and second lateraladhesive portions 184 and 188 to define a less tacky middle adhesiveportion 180 for releasably engaging the cables.

It should be appreciated that the tape roll 90 may instead be configuredas tape strips, sheets, or another configuration for use apart from thetape applicator assembly 10. Moreover, although the tape applicatorassembly 10 is shown and described in use with a tape assembly 12 havinga middle adhesive portion 180 of decreased tackiness, the tapeapplicator assembly 10 may instead be used with any suitable tape. Forinstance, if the tape applicator assembly 10 is being used to markboundary lines on a floor, rather than taping cables to the floor, atape having any suitable pressure sensitive adhesive on its interiorsurface may be used. Thus, the description and illustrations providedherein should not be seen as limiting the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

Referring back to FIG. 5, the operation of the tape applicator assembly10 for taping cables to a surface will now be provided. Prior to usingthe tape applicator assembly 10, the proper width of the tape (i.e., itsaxial length) may be determined for the intended use. For instance, if2-3 cables need to be taped to a surface, a tape roll that is, forexample, 2-3 inches wide, and having a middle adhesive portion 180sufficiently wide and tacky, may be used. In the alternative, if thetape applicator assembly 10 is merely being used to mark boundary lineson a surface, a tape roll that is, for example only 1 inch wide with nomiddle adhesive portion, may instead be used. Thus, depending on theintended use, a preferred tape roll 90 may be installed within the tapeapplicator assembly 10 or switched with a tape roll 90 already installedwithin the tape applicator assembly 10.

The tape roll 90 is installed within the tape applicator assembly 10 bycentering and locking the core 94 on the hub 98 with the core centeringand locking assembly 100. More specifically, the core 94 is slid ontothe hub 98 until the nub 102 is received within the annular groove 106.It can be appreciated that when the nub 102 is received within theannular groove 106, a “snap-fit” tactile sensation will be felt by theuser to indicate the core 94 is properly positioned on the hub 98.Markings, instructions, etc., may be provided on the exterior of thebody 14, core 94, and/or hub 98 to aid in proper assembly.

With the core 94 assembled on the hub 98, the hub 98 may be securedwithin the body 14 through the hub locking assembly 110. Morespecifically, the hub 98 is secured onto the shaft 130 by passing theshaft 130 through the center through-hole 118 of the hub 98. Thefastener 156 is then secured within the shaft 130 to secure the hub 98onto the shaft 130 for rotation of the tape roll 90 within the tapeapplicator assembly 10. The fastener 156 may be tightened or loosened toincrease or decrease the tension of the knob 160 against the washer 164.With increased tension from the knob 160, the tape roll 90 will unravelless easily and quickly. Thus, it can be appreciated that the tensionfrom the knob 160 may be adjusted as desired.

Once the core 94 is secured within the tape applicator assembly 10, thetape roll 90 may be partially unraveled to position the tape 164 fordispensing. In the alternative, the tape roll 90 may be partiallyunraveled before securing the core 94 on the hub 98. The tape 164 ispulled from the tape roll 90 from the bottom, interior, open surface ofthe body 14 downwardly past the rear wheel assembly 66. The end of thetape 164 may be secured to the surface S and/or cables C for defining afirst end of a cable run R.

A tape tensioner 194 may be disposed within the interior of the body 14between the tape roll 90 and the rear wheel assembly 66 for maintainingtension in the tape 164 as it is dispensed from the roll 90. The tapetensioner 194 may be a suitable roller or other device journaled forrotation within an interior side of the body 14 in a suitable manner. Toeffectively maintain tension in the tape 164, the tape tensioner 194 ispositioned downwardly from a tangent defined between the tape roll 90and the rear wheel assembly 66. In this manner, the tape tensioner 194imposes a downward force on the tape 164 to maintain a substantiallyconstant tension while being dispensed. With tension in the tape 164,the rear wheel assembly 66 maintains better tape alignment on thesurface/cables and reduces any wrinkles, gaps, etc.

The middle tape applying portion 70 partially compresses to applypressure to both the cables C and the surface S as the tape 164 passesover the rear wheel assembly 66. More specifically, with the cables Ccentrally aligned after passing through the funnel 52 (and held taughtby the flat spring 60), a central portion of the middle tape applyingportion 70 compresses to accommodate the height and shape of the cablesC relative to the surface S. Moreover, the lateral edges of the middletape applying portion 70 compress to apply pressure to the surface S oneach side of the cables C for sealing the cables C beneath the tape 164.

It can be appreciated from the foregoing that the tape applicatorassembly 10 and tape assembly 12 provide the benefit of securingaligned, bundled, taught cable(s) to a surface without causing the tapeto irreversibly stick to or leave residue on the cable(s).

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, a first alternative embodiment of the tapeapplicator assembly 210 is depicted. The tape applicator assembly 210 issubstantially identical to the tape applicator 10 described above exceptfor the differences set forth herein.

In that regard, the tape applicator assembly 210 includes a cablealignment assembly having a funnel 252 extending from a front of a body214 along the bottom thereof. The funnel 252 defines a front cableopening 248 at the front of the body 214 configured to receive one ormore cables as the body 214 moves along a surface, and a rear cableopening 254. As can be seen in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the rear cable opening254 is configured to bundle and align one or more cables C in a cablerun R and tape the cable C run R to a surface. Moreover, the rear cableopening 254 may be adjusted in size and shape through a modularfunnel/wheel adjustment assembly 256 to accommodate various sizes ofcables and bundles of cables.

The modular funnel/wheel adjustment assembly 256 is defined by a firstadjustable funnel piece 257 that is removably receivable within theunderside of the body 214. The first adjustable funnel piece 257 isdefined in part by a rear funnel portion 258 disposed at the rear of thefunnel 252 and a wheel portion 253 extending rearwardly from the rearfunnel portion 258, with the rear funnel portion 258 substantiallycorresponding in size to the wheel portion 253 for aligning, bundling,and taping one or more cables of a predetermined size to a surface. Inthe depicted embodiment, the rear funnel portion 258 and the wheelportion 253 of the first adjustable funnel piece 257 are correspondinglysized and shaped to align and tape a cable C of a first predeterminedsize to a surface S.

The rear funnel portion 258 defines a rear portion of the funnel 252 andthe rear cable opening 254 for aligning the cable C. When receivedwithin the body 214, the rear funnel portion 258 defines an elongatedopening 262 extending between and in communication with the front cableopening 248 and the rear cable opening 254. The elongated opening 262 isof a suitable cross-sectional shape, width and/or depth for bundling andaligning one or more cables of a predetermined size. In the depictedembodiment, the elongated opening 262 is of a suitable cross-sectionalshape, width and depth for aligning the cable C of a first predeterminedsize. A second adjustment piece having a second cross-sectional shapeand a wider and/or deeper elongated opening 262 may be used toaccommodate a larger cable or a larger bundle of cables, whereas a thirdadjustment piece having a third cross-sectional shape and a narrowerand/or shallower elongated opening 262 may be used to accommodate asmaller cable or a smaller bundle of cables. With the shape and size ofthe elongated opening 262 substantially corresponding to the shape andsize of the one or more cables, the cables will be aligned and bundledprior to being taped by a tape applying assembly.

The tape applying assembly is defined in part by the wheel portion 253of the first adjustable funnel piece 257, with the wheel portion 253being suitable sized for taping one or more cables of a predeterminedsize to a surface. The wheel portion 253 is configured to rotatablysecure a rear wheel assembly 266 within the body 214 for applyingpressure to the tape 268 and one or more cables, similar to rear wheelassembly 66. In that regard, the wheel portion 253 includes first andsecond wheel assembly arms 260 and 261 that extend from the rear funnelportion 258 toward the rear of the body 214. The wheel assembly arms 260and 261 are configured to rotatably receive the rear wheel assembly 266therein.

The rear wheel assembly 266 includes a middle tape applying portion 270disposed between lateral rear rolling wheels 274 and 278, wherein themiddle tape applying portion 270 is sufficiently pliable to applypressure to the surface and the one or more cables for securing the tape268 to the surface and the one or more cables. As can be seen in FIGS.8A and 8B, the middle tape applying portion 270 is also sufficientlywide for applying pressure to the cable C of a first predetermined sizeand a portion of the surface S on each side of the cable C. Moreover,the width of the middle tape applying portion 270 may be adjusted byusing a different adjustable funnel piece 257.

More specifically, the first adjustable funnel piece 257 (having anelongated opening 262 and middle tape applying portion 270 of a firstpredetermined size and shape) may be removed and replaced by a secondadjustable funnel piece 257 (having an elongated opening 262 and middletape applying portion 270 of a second predetermined size). As such, theadjustable funnel piece 257 may be removed and replaced as needed toaccommodate various sizes of cables and/or bundles or cables, therebyavoiding individual adjustment of the funnel 252 or rear wheel assembly266.

The funnel/wheel adjustment assembly 256 may be removably secured withinthe body 214 in any suitable manner. In the embodiment depicted, a snapfit technology (not labeled) is used. However, it should be appreciatedthat any suitable technology may be employed.

Referring to FIG. 8B, the tape applying assembly may further include atape guide 280 positioned between the tape assembly 212 and the rearwheel assembly 266 that is configured to shape and conform the cable forbeing adhered to the cable C and the surface S. The tape guide 262includes a tape shaper 282 that is journaled for rotation on a pin 284received within the body 214. The tape shaper 282 is defined by firstand second frustoconical portions 286 and 288 each having tapered endsdisposed opposite one another.

The non-adhesive side of the tape 268 may pass beneath the tape guide262 before engaging the rear wheel assembly 266. The tape guide 262imposes tension on the tape 268 to reduce any slack in the tape 268 andhelps prevent the tape from folding, twisting, etc. In that regard, thetape shaper 282 may be made from foam or any suitable material. If madefrom a compressible or deformable material such as foam, it can beappreciated that the tape shaper 282 will help maintain tension in thetape as it is being applied. However, it should be appreciated that thetape shaper 282 may be made from any suitable material.

The tape guide 262 also shapes the tape 268 for optimally laying thetape 268 onto a cable C and adhering the tape 268 to the cable C. Morespecifically, the tape guide 262 shapes the tape 268 into an invertedV-shape such that the apex of the V, on the adhesive side, is engagedwith the top of the cable C as the cable C is drawn through the tapeapplicator assembly 310. In this manner, the tape 268 is securely andsmoothly adhered to the cable C without any pressure being applied bythe rear wheel assembly 266. Moreover, the tape 268 is adhered to thecable C on substantially the center longitudinal axis of the tape 268,or along the middle adhesive portion of the tape (if present). In thismanner, an equal amount of tape 268 is adhered to the surface S on eachside of the cable C to define a substantially straight, secure cable runR.

Referring to FIG. 9, a second alternative embodiment of a tapeapplicator assembly 310 is depicted. The tape applicator assembly 310 issimilar to the tape applicator assemblies 10 and 210 described above;however, the tape applicator assembly 310 is suitable for receiving awider tape assembly 312, and the assembly is likewise suitable foraligning, bundling, and taping a larger cable or bundle of cable C to asurface S to define a cable run R.

To accommodate a larger tape assembly 312, the body 314 of the tapeapplicator assembly 310 includes a tape receiving cavity 332 definedwithin a top portion of the body 314 and extending downwardly into thebody 314. The tape assembly 312 is removably inserted into the tapereceiving cavity 332 by dropping the tape assembly 312 down into thetape receiving cavity 332 within the body 314. First and second sideportions of the body 314 are disposed on each side of the tape assembly312 when received therein. First and second hub locking assemblies aredisposed on each side of the body 314 for removably securing the tapeassembly 312 therein. Each of the first and second hub lockingassemblies are substantially identical; therefore, only the first hublocking assembly 346 is described and depicted.

The first hub locking assembly 346 includes a U-shaped shaft receivingportion 350 defined at an upper end of the first side portion of thebody 314 that is configured to removably receive a first end of a hubshaft 352 running centrally through the hub 318. The shaft 352 isrotatably receivable within the shaft receiving portion 350 such thatthe tape assembly 312 may rotate about the axis defined by the shaft352. A locking pin 354 may pass through the shaft receiving portion 350to removably secure the shaft 352 within the shaft receiving portion350. Any suitable locking pin or other locking mechanism may be used forremovably securing the shaft 352 rotatably within the body 314.

The tape applicator assembly 310 further includes front and rear handles322 and 324 defined on or otherwise formed on the body 314 fortransporting, holding, and moving the tape applicator assembly 310. Thefront and rear handles 322 and 324 aid the user in moving the tapeapplicator assembly 310 when the tape assembly 312, which is wider andheavier than smaller tape assemblies, is received within the body 314. Ahandle assembly (not shown) may also be secured to the body 314 formoving the tape applicator assembly 310 along a surface S. Any suitablehandle assembly, such as the handle assembly 22 described above, may beused. Preferably, the handle assembly would extend from a rear portionof the body 314 for moving the body 314 forward along the cables C on asurface S.

Referring to FIGS. 10-12, the tape applicator assembly 310 includes atape applying assembly and a cable alignment assembly that areconfigured for accommodating various sizes, shapes, and bundles of oneor more cables to be taped to a surface. The tape applying assembly isdefined in part by an adjustable rear wheel assembly 366 having firstand second rear wheel sets 368 and 370 and first and second rear wheeladjustment assemblies 378 and 380 for adjusting the position of firstand second rear wheel sets 368 and 370. The first and second wheel sets368 and 370 and the first and second rear wheel adjustment assemblies378 and 380, respectively, are substantially identical; therefore, onlythe first wheel set 368 and the first rear wheel adjustment assembly 378will be hereinafter discussed in detail.

The first rear wheel set 368 includes inner and outer wheels 374 and 376journaled for rotation on a wheel pin 382. The wheel pin 382 extendsfrom a wheel slider bracket 384 slidably disposed within the body 314.The wheel slider bracket 384 is slidably mounted to a rod 386 extendingbetween lateral sides of the body 314. The first rear wheel set 368 mayslide laterally within the body 314 through the wheel slider bracket 384to laterally adjust the position of the first rear wheel set 368.

In that regard, a knob 394 may be used to manually move the wheel sliderbracket 384 back and forth. The knob 394 is secured on the end of a knobarm 392, which extends through a slot 396 in the rear of the body 314. Aplurality of positions 398, identified by numerals, indicators, or thelike, may be defined on the body 314 near the slot 396 to assist theuser in positioning the first rear wheel set 368 a desired distance fromthe lateral side of the body 314.

As can be seen in FIG. 13, the first and second rear wheel sets 368 and370 may be moved toward or away from each through the first and secondrear wheel adjustment assemblies 378 and 380 to accommodate smaller orlarger cable(s) or bundles of cables. More specifically, the first andsecond rear wheel adjustment assemblies 378 and 380 can be used toincrease or decrease the gap between the first and second rear wheelsets 368 and 370 to accommodate various sizes of cables or bundles ofcables. In this manner, the tape applicator assembly 310 is adjustablein size to accommodate the cable or bundle size.

In the embodiment depicted, the first and second rear wheel sets 368 and370 are moved toward one another to suitably tape three cables C to asurface. The first and second rear wheel sets 368 and 370 are movedtoward one another a suitable amount to engage and apply pressure to thetape 320 on each side of the cables C. In this manner, the tape issecurely attached to the surface to define a safe, clean cable run R. Itshould be appreciated that the inner wheel of each of the first andsecond rear wheel sets 368 and 370 may instead be deformable forapplying suitable pressure to the cables C for attaching the tape 320 tothe cables C. Moreover, it should be appreciated that any suitable rearwheel adjustment assembly may be used. For instance, the first andsecond rear wheel set adjustment assemblies 378 and 380 may insteadautomatically and/or simultaneously adjust inward or outward.

The tape applying assembly further includes a tape guide 440 forsuitably shaping and conforming the tape for application onto the cablesC. The tape guide 440 is substantially identical to the tape guide 262described above. In that regard, the tape guide 440 shapes the tape 320into an inverted V-shape such that the apex of the V, on the adhesiveside, is engaged with the top of the cables C as they are drawn throughthe tape applicator assembly 310. In this manner, the tape 320 issecurely and smoothly adhered to the cables C even if the first andsecond rear wheel set adjustment assemblies 378 and 380 do not applypressure to the cables C. Moreover, the tape 320 is substantiallycentered on the cables C such that a substantially equal amount of tape320 is adhered to the surface S on either side of the cables C.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 13, the cable alignment assembly includes afunnel assembly 400 configured to align and bundle various sizes andshapes of one or more cables to be taped by the tape applying assembly.The funnel assembly 400 includes a funnel 402 defined by a first funnelguide 404 extending along a first interior side of the body 314 and asecond funnel guide 406 disposed opposite the first funnel guide 404 andextending along a second interior side of the body 314.

A front cable opening 328 is defined at a front end of the first andsecond funnel guides 404 and 406, and a rear cable opening 330 isdefined at a rear end of the first and second funnel guides 404 and 406for defining the funnel 402. As such, one or more cables lying on asurface may enter into the tape applicator assembly 310 at the frontcable opening 328 when the tape applicator assembly 310 is moved alongthe surface toward the cables. As can be seen in FIG. 13, the cables Care received within the front cable opening 328 of the tape applicatorassembly 310 and are bundled and aligned when they pass through the rearcable opening 330.

The funnel assembly 400 includes first and second funnel adjustmentassemblies 412 and 414 configured to adjust the size of the rear cableopening 330 for accommodating various sizes and shapes of one or morecables. The first and second funnel adjustment assemblies 412 and 414are substantially identical; therefore, only the second funneladjustment assembly 414 will be hereinafter described in detail.

The second funnel adjustment assembly 414 includes an adjustment block410 secured to or otherwise formed on a rear end of the second funnelguide 406 between the second funnel guide 406 and the body 314. Theadjustment block 410 is secured to an adjustment bracket 418 that ispivotal about a pivot point 420 (defined by a fastener or otherwise) tomove the second adjustment block 410 (and therefore the rear end of thesecond funnel guide 406) toward or away from the first funnel guide 404.

The pivot 420 is defined substantially near a midpoint of the secondfunnel guide 406 such that the adjustment block 410, and therefore theend of the second funnel guide 406, move along an arc-shaped pathdefined by the end of the adjustment bracket 418. In that regard, thefirst and second funnel guides 404 and 406 are made from a suitablyflexible material, such as plastic or metal. To aid in the movement, aportion of the adjustment bracket 418 may be slidably secured within apivot slot 422 defined in the body 314 through a fastener or otherwise,with the pivot slot 422 substantially mirroring the arc-shaped path. Thefastener may slide within the pivot slot 422 to help support thearc-shaped movement of the bracket 418.

The adjustment bracket 418 may be manipulated by a user through asuitable knob assembly. The knob assembly includes a knob 428 defined onthe end of a knob arm 426 extending from the adjustment bracket 418 andprotruding through a slot 432 in the body 314. The knob 428 may bemanipulated by a user to pivot the adjustment bracket 418 about pivot420 for adjusting the position of the second funnel guide 406.

The second funnel adjustment assembly 414, manipulated by knob 428,moves the rear end of the second funnel guide 406 toward or away fromthe first funnel guide 404. In that regard, the first and second funneladjustment assemblies 412 and 414 may be used to increase or decreasethe size of the rear cable opening 330 to accommodate smaller or largercables. In other words, the funnel 402 may be suitably sized at the rearcable opening 330 to appropriately bundle and align the one or morecables for taping by the adjustable tape applying assembly. In theembodiment of FIG. 13, the first and second funnel adjustment assemblies412 and 414 are used to decrease the size of the rear cable opening 330for aligning and bundling three cables for taping.

A plurality of indicators, reference numerals, etc., may be disposed onthe exterior of the body 314 near slot 432 to indicate various positionsof the adjustment bracket 418. In this manner, both the first and secondfunnel adjustment assemblies 412 and 414 may be adjusted a similaramount to help align one or more cables centrally within the tapeapplicator assembly 310. It should be appreciated that the first andsecond funnel adjustment assemblies 414 and 416 may insteadsimultaneously and/or automatically adjust based on the cable sizes.

Referring to FIG. 14, a fourth alternate embodiment of a tape applicatorassembly 510 is depicted. The tape applicator assembly 510 issubstantially identical to the tape applicator assembly 310 describedabove except for the differences hereinafter provided. The tapeapplicator assembly 510 includes first and second funnel adjustmentassemblies 512 and 514 suitable for adjusting the size of a rear cableopening 530, wherein the rear cable opening 530 is defined by first andsecond funnel guides 504 and 506. The first and second funnel adjustmentassemblies 512 and 514 are substantially identical; and therefore, onlythe first funnel adjustment assembly 512 will be described in detail.

The first funnel adjustment assembly 512 includes an oval-shaped portion518 that is movable about the axis of a pin 519 extending between theoval shaped portion 518 and a knob 520. The knob 520 is substantiallycircular in shape and is sized to protrude through a slot 522 in thebody 514 of the tape applicator assembly 510. In this manner, a user maymove the knob 520 about the axis of the pin 519 to likewise move theoval shaped portion 518 about the axis of the pin 519.

The oval-shaped portion 518 is moved about the axis of the pin 519 toselectively move into and out of engagement with the rear end of thefirst funnel guide 504 for adjusting the size of the rear cable opening530. More specifically, when the oval-shaped portion 518 is moved aboutthe axis of the pin 519 into a first position, the elongated end of theoval-shaped portion 518 engages the rear end of the first funnel guide504. With the elongated end of the oval-shaped portion 518 engaged withthe rear end of the first funnel guide 504 in the first position, thefirst funnel guide 504 is moved inwardly toward the second funnel guide506, decreasing the size of the rear cable opening 530.

When the oval-shaped portion 518 is moved about the axis of the pin 519into a second position, the elongated end of the oval-shaped portion 518disengages the rear end of the first funnel guide 504. With theelongated end of the oval-shaped portion 518 disengaged with the rearend of the first funnel guide 504 in the second position, the firstfunnel guide 504 is moved outwardly away the second funnel guide 506,increasing the size of the rear cable opening 530. Thus, the first andsecond funnel adjustment assemblies 512 and 514 may be used to increaseor decrease the size of the rear cable opening 530 to accommodatevarious sizes of cables.

Referring to FIG. 15, a fourth alternate embodiment of a tape applicatorassembly 610 is depicted. The tape applicator assembly 610 is configuredto tape one or more cables C within a corner X defined by first andsecond substantially traverse surfaces, such as between a wall W and afloor F. Although the tape applicator assembly 610 will be hereinafterdescribed as taping a cable run R within a corner X defined by a wall Wand a floor F, the tape applicator assembly 610 may be used to tape acable run R within any suitable corner.

The tape applicator assembly 610 includes a tape assembly 612 removablysecured to a body 614 through a core/hub locking assembly 646, similarto the core/hub locking assembly 110 described above with reference toFIGS. 1-7. However, the tape assembly 612 is removably mounted to thebody 614 at an angle for dispensing the tape 620 into the corner X.

More specifically, the tape assembly 612 is mounted to an angled bodyportion 638 defined by the body 614, wherein the angled body portion 638is at a substantially one hundred thirty-five degree (135°) anglerelative to the floor F and a forty-five degree (45°) angle relative tothe wall W when the tape applicator assembly 610 is positioned in thecorner X. In this manner, tape 620 can be dispensed at an angle in thedirection of the corner X from the tape assembly 612 and adhered tocables extending along the corner X.

The tape dispenses from the tape assembly 612 down toward a front cornerof the body 614 where an adjustable wheel assembly 710 is disposed forapplying pressure to the tape 620 within the corner X. Referring toFIGS. 15-18, the adjustable wheel assembly 710 is defined by first andsecond substantially transversely disposed wheels, or a floor-engagingwheel 712 and a wall-engaging wheel 714. When positioned within thecorner X, the floor-engaging wheel 712 is positioned to engage the floorF, and the wall-engaging wheel 714 is positioned to engage the wall W.

The floor-engaging wheel 712 and the wall-engaging wheel 714 may bejournaled for rotation within the body 614 in any suitable manner.Moreover, one or more of the wheels may be adjustable in position forsuitably engaging and taping various sizes of cables and/or bundles ofcables. In the embodiment depicted, the floor-engaging wheel 712 of theadjustable wheel assembly 710 is slidably mounted within the body 614such that the lateral position of the floor-engaging wheel 712 may beadjusted relative to the wall-engaging wheel 714.

The floor-engaging wheel 712 may be slidably secured to slide rails 718extending from a portion of the body 614 through an adjustment bracket716. An adjustment knob 720 may extend from the bracket 716 for allowinga user to manually grasp and slide the floor-engaging wheel 712 alongthe slide rails 718. The floor-engaging wheel 712 may be moved laterallytoward the wall-engaging wheel 714 to decrease a corner space (i.e., thecorner space defined between the floor-engaging wheel 712 and thewall-engaging wheel 714) for taping a smaller cable or cables. Moreover,the floor-engaging wheel 712 may be moved laterally away from thewall-engaging wheel 714 to increase the corner space for taping a largercable or cables.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 15, the floor-engaging wheel 712 ismoved laterally toward the wall-engaging wheel 714 to decrease thecorner space for taping four cables within a corner X. The tape 620 isthen positioned between the floor-engaging and wall-engaging wheels 712and 714 and the floor F and wall W, respectively, within the cables Cdisposed in the corner X. The floor-engaging wheel 712 applies pressureto the tape 620 and adheres the tape 620 to the floor F, and thewall-engaging wheel 714 applies pressure to the tape 620 and adheres thetape 620 to the wall W.

A tape guide 730 may be used to help shape and conform the tape 620 forapplication onto the cables C, floor F, and wall W. Similar to the tapeguides 280 and 440, the tape guide 730 substantially shapes the tape 620into an inverted V shape, with the apex of the V defined on the bottom,adhesive side of the tape 620. The apex of the V on the adhesive side ofthe tape 620 is positioned to lay onto the cables C in the corner X,substantially along the center longitudinal axis of the tape 620.

Referring to FIGS. 15-18, the tape guide 730 is defined by an angledcore 732 secured to or otherwise extending from a portion of the body614. The angled core 732 extends from the angled body portion 638 and ispositioned substantially between the tape assembly 612 and theadjustable wheel assembly 710. The angled core 732 is substantiallyV-shaped, such that a first portion of the angled core 732 extendsdownwardly and laterally toward the wall W when the tape applicatorassembly 610 is positioned in the corner X for taping (see FIG. 15). Asecond portion of the angled core 732 extends upwardly and away from thewall W when the tape applicator assembly 610 is positioned in the cornerX for taping.

During the taping process, a piece of tape 620 may be pulled from thetape assembly 612 downwardly beneath the angled core 732 and toward theadjustable wheel assembly 710. The apex of the V-shape defined by theangled core 732 indents the tape 620 and shapes the tape 620 into asubstantially inverted V-shape. In this manner, the apex of the V on theadhesive side of the tape 620 is positioned to lay onto the cables C inthe corner X.

To aid the tape 620 in moving along the tape guide 730, first and secondrollers 734 and 736 may be disposed on the first and second portions ofthe angled core 732. The first and second rollers 734 and 736 may bejournaled for rotation on or otherwise movably disposed on the angledcore 732 in any suitable manner. The first and second rollers 734 and736 may be made from foam or any suitable material. If made from acompressible or deformable material such as foam, it can be appreciatedthat the first and second rollers 734 and 736 will help maintain tensionin the tape as it is being applied. However, it should be appreciatedthat the tape guide 730 may be made from any suitable material orinstead formed from one suitable piece of material.

It should further be appreciated that the angle defined between thefirst and second portions of the angled core 732 may be any suitableangle for suitably shaping and engaging the adhesive side of the tape620 with the cables C in the corner X. In the depicted embodiment, theangle defined between the first and second portions of the angled core732 is an acute angle. However, it should be appreciated that anysuitable angle may be used for appropriately engaging the tape 620 withthe cables C.

The tape guide 730 helps guide the tape 620 onto the cables C, and theadjustable wheel assembly 710 engages the tape 620 with the wall W andfloor F to secure a cable run R within the corner X. Moreover, theadjustable wheel assembly 710 may be used to adjust the position of thefloor-engaging wheel 712 to accommodate various sizes and shapes ofcables.

A cable alignment assembly is defined forwardly of the adjustable wheelassembly 710 and the tape guide 730 for bundling and aligning theincoming one or more cables for taping within the corner X. The cablealignment assembly is defined by a funnel assembly 666 having a funnel682 extending from the front of the body 614 to the rear of the body614.

Referring to FIGS. 16-18, the funnel 682 is defined in part by a portionof the body 614. More specifically, the body 614 includes a funnel bodyportion 668 extending from the angled body portion 638 at an anglesubstantially parallel to the floor F. As can be seen in FIG. 15, alateral edge of the funnel body portion 668 may be engaged with the wallW to suitable position the tape application assembly 610 against thecorner X. In this manner, the wall W effectively defines a first portionof the funnel 682.

A second, opposing portion of the funnel 682 is defined by a funnelguide 672 secured beneath and extending along the funnel body portion668. With a lateral edge of the funnel body portion 668 disposed againstthe wall W, a front cable opening 686 is defined at a front portion ofthe funnel body portion 668 between the wall W and the funnel guide 672.A rear cable opening 688 is defined at a rear portion of the funnel bodyportion 668 between the funnel guide 672 and wall W. Accordingly, thefunnel is essentially defined between the funnel guide 672 and the wallW as the funnel body portion 668 moves along the wall W.

The funnel assembly 666 is adjustable in size to accommodate varioussizes and shapes of cables. In that regard, the funnel assembly 666includes a funnel adjustment assembly 670 configured to adjust the sizeof the rear cable opening 688. More specifically, the funnel adjustmentassembly 670 is configured to move a rear end of the funnel guide 672toward or away from the wall W to decrease or increase the size of therear cable opening 688.

The funnel adjustment assembly 670 is defined by an adjustment block 674secured to a rear, backside portion of the funnel guide 672. Theadjustment block 674 is slidable laterally (toward and away from thewall W) along slide rails 678 disposed on the bottom, interior of thefunnel body portion 668. An adjustment knob 676 is secured to theadjustment block 674 for moving the adjustment block 674 back and forth.The adjustment knob 676 is slidable within a slot 680 defined within thefunnel body portion 668 such that it is accessible by a user. It shouldbe appreciated that the rear end of the funnel guide 672 may instead bemoved in any suitable manner, such as by automatic or electronic means.

As can be seen in FIG. 18, the adjustment block 674 is moved laterallyalong the slide rail 678 to adjust the size of the rear cable opening688. More specifically, the adjustment block 674 is moved laterallytoward the wall W to decrease the size of the rear cable opening 688 foraccommodating a smaller cable or cables. To accommodate a larger cableor cables, the adjustment block 674 may be moved laterally away from thewall W to increase the size of the rear cable opening 688. With the rearcable opening 688 adjusted in size, the cable or cables are aligned andbundles within the corner X for taping by the adjustable wheel assembly710.

To accommodate rolling of the body 614 along the floor F or any othersuitable surface, the tape applicator assembly 610 includes a pluralityof rolling wheels, such as a rear rolling wheel assembly 650 and a frontrolling wheel assembly 658. The rear rolling wheel assembly 650 mayinclude first and second rolling wheels 652 and 654 positioned along arear edge of the body and journaled for rotation within the body 614 ina suitable manner, and the front rolling wheel assembly 658 may includefirst and second rolling wheels 660 and 662 disposed along a front edgeof the body 614 and journaled for rotation within the body 614.

The tape applicator assembly 610 may further include a handle assembly622 having a handle 624 secured to the body 614 for pushing, steeringand manipulating the body 614 within a corner. In that regard, it can beappreciated that the handle 624 extends from the body 614 at an anglesuitable for moving the body 614 along the corner. In the depictedembodiment, the handle 624 extends from the body 614 at about a 45°angle from the floor F and substantially parallel to the wall W.However, it should be appreciated that the handle 624 may instead bedirected, at least partially, toward the wall W rather than beingsubstantially parallel to the wall W. In this manner, the user couldimpose a force along the length of the handle 624 toward the corner X tohelp maintain the body 614 against the wall W during taping.

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, first and second alternative embodimentsof a core centering and locking assembly 800 and 900 are depicted. Thecore centering and locking assemblies 800 and 900 are substantiallysimilar to the core centering and locking assembly 100 in that they areeach defined between a core and a hub for securing, centering andselectively locking the core onto the hub. The core of the corecentering and locking assemblies 800 and 900 are configured to mate witha suitable hub having a substantially centered first locking feature,such as hub 98 having nub 102 (see FIG. 6). Accordingly, the corecentering and locking assemblies 800 and 900 will be hereinafterdescribed with reference to hub 98 having nub 102. However, it should beappreciated that the core centering and locking assemblies 800 and 900may be comprised of any suitable hub. Moreover, the core centering andlocking assemblies 800 and 900 may be used with tape applicatorassemblies 10, 210, 510, or 610 or any other suitable tape applicatorassembly.

Referring to FIG. 19, the core centering and locking assembly 800comprises a second locking feature, such as notch 832 defined on theinterior surface of a core 816, that is configured to removably receivethe first locking feature, such as nub 102 on hub 98. The nub 102 isremovably receivable within the notch 832 to removably secure the core816 onto the hub 98. It should be appreciated that the notch 832 mayinstead be defined on the hub 98, and the nub 102 defined on the core816.

The nub 102 and notch 832 are positioned on the hub 98 and core 816,respectively, such that the core 816 is automatically centered axiallyon the hub 98 when the nub 102 is received within the notch 832. Inother words, the nub 102 is substantially centered axially on the hub98, and the notch 832 is substantially centered axially on the core 816.In this manner, the core 816 will be automatically centered axially onthe hub 98 when the nub 102 is received within the notch 832. With thenotch 832 centered axially on the core 816, it should be appreciatedthat regardless of its axial length (i.e., 1 inch in axial length, 2inches in axial length, 3 inches in axial length, etc.), the core 816will be automatically centered on the hub 98.

A slot 824 may extend axially along the interior surface of the core 816between the outer edge of the core 816 and the notch 832 to allow foreasier mating of the hub 98 and the core 618. More specifically, the nub102 may slide within the space defined by the slot 824 until it engageswithin the notch 832. In that regard, a ramp portion 828 is defined atthe end of the slot 824 to provide a snap fit or tactile sensation tothe user when the nub 102 is received within the notch 832. Instead of aramp portion 828, the slot 824 may gradually decrease in depth as itextends toward the notch 832 (as shown on the core 94 in FIG. 6).

Referring to FIG. 19, the core centering and locking assembly 900 issubstantially identical to the core centering and locking assembly 800described above except that an axial slot 924 extends along the entireaxial length of the interior of a core 916 and intersects a centrallylocated notch 932. In this manner, the core 916 may be mated with thehub 98 from either open end of the core 916. It should be appreciatedthat the core 916 may further include a ramped portion on either side ofthe notch 932 to provide a snap fit or tactile sensation to the userwhen the nub 102 is received within the notch 932. Moreover, any othersuitable feature or combination of features may be used with either ofthe core centering and locking assemblies 800 and 900.

While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, itwill be appreciated that various changes can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A tape applicatorassembly for securing tape to at least one cable and a first surface,comprising: (a) a body moveable along at least one cable positioned on afirst surface; (b) a tape-receiving cavity defined in the body forreceiving a tape assembly having tape with a tape center longitudinalaxis, the tape having an exterior, non-adhesive surface and an interioradhesive surface, wherein the tape assembly is receivable within thetape-receiving cavity such that the tape is positioned for dispensingfrom the body; and (c) a tape applying assembly defined within the body,the tape applying assembly configured to adhere the tape to both the atleast one cable and the first surface as the body moves along the atleast one cable on the first surface, wherein the tape applying assemblycomprises: (i) a wheel assembly configured to apply pressure to the tapeon each side of the at least one cable for securing the tape to thefirst surface; and (ii) a tape guide disposed between the tape assemblyand the wheel assembly, wherein the tape guide is engageable with theexterior, non-adhesive surface of the tape as the tape is pulled fromthe tape-receiving cavity toward the wheel assembly, wherein the tapeguide is engagaeable with and shapes the tape into a substantiallyinverted V-shape having an apex such that the interior adhesive surfaceof the tape at the apex of the V engages a top of the at least one cableon substantially the tape center longitudinal axis to lay the tape ontothe at least one cable without applying any pressure of the wheelassembly.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the tape guide is definedby first and second substantially frusto-conically shaped portions, eachfrusto-conically shaped portion defining a tapered end, wherein thetapered ends of the frusto-conically shaped portions are disposedopposite one another.
 3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the wheelassembly is configured to apply pressure to the tape and the at leastone cable for securing the tape to the at least one cable.
 4. Theassembly of claim 3, wherein the wheel assembly includes a middle tapeapplying portion that is deformable to apply pressure to the at leastone cable as the body moves along the at least one cable on the surface,wherein the middle tape applying portion is disposed between lateralrolling wheels that are engageable with the first surface, the lateralrolling wheels smaller in diameter than the middle tape applyingportion.
 5. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a centering andlocking assembly configured to automatically center and lock the tapeassembly within the body for dispensing.
 6. The assembly of claim 1,wherein the tape includes a middle adhesive portion extendinglongitudinally along the interior surface between first and secondlateral adhesive portions, wherein the middle adhesive portion is lesstacky than the first and second lateral adhesive portions.
 7. A tapeapplicator assembly for securing tape to at least one cable and a firstsurface, comprising: (a) a body moveable along at least one cablepositioned on a first surface; (b) a tape-receiving cavity defined inthe body for receiving a tape assembly having tape with a tape centerlongitudinal axis, the tape having an exterior, non-adhesive surface andan interior adhesive surface, wherein the tape assembly is receivablewithin the tape-receiving cavity such that the tape is positioned fordispensing from the body; (c) a cable alignment assembly defined withinthe body that is configured to receive the at least one cable positionedagainst the first surface as the body moves along the at least one cableon the surface and substantially align the at least one cable with thetape center longitudinal axis; wherein the cable alignment assemblycomprises a funnel defined within a bottom interior of the body forreceiving and substantially aligning the at least one cable with thetape center longitudinal axis, the funnel defining a front cable openingat a front portion of the body and a rear cable opening opposite thefront cable opening, the funnel tapering in size from the front cableopening to the rear cable opening; wherein the funnel includes a firstadjustable funnel piece configured to adjust at least one of the sizeand shape of the rear cable opening; and (d) a tape applying assemblydefined within the body, the tape applying assembly configured to adherethe tape to both the at least one cable and the surface as the bodymoves along the at least one cable on the surface, the tape applyingassembly comprising: (i) a wheel assembly configured to apply pressureto the tape on each side of the at least one cable for securing the tapeto the first surface; and (ii) a tape guide engageable with theexterior, non-adhesive surface of the tape as the tape is pulled fromthe tape-receiving cavity, wherein the tape guide is engagaeable withand shapes the tape into a substantially inverted V-shape having an apexsuch that the interior adhesive surface of the tape at the apex of the Vengages a top of the at least one cable on substantially the tape centerlongitudinal axis to lay the tape onto the at least one cable withoutapplying any pressure of the wheel assembly.
 8. The assembly of claim 7,wherein the tape has a middle adhesive portion extending along the tapecenter longitudinal axis on the interior surface of the tape betweenfirst and second lateral adhesive portions, wherein the middle adhesiveportion is less tacky than the first and second lateral adhesiveportions.
 9. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the cable alignmentassembly further comprises a biasing member for engaging and maintainingalignment of the at least one cable as the at least one cable exits therear cable opening.
 10. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the tapeapplying assembly comprises a wheel assembly having a tape applyingportion that is deformable to apply pressure to both the at least onecable and the surface as the body moves along the at least one cable onthe surface.
 11. The assembly of claim 7, further comprising a centeringand locking assembly configured to automatically center and lock thetape assembly within the body for dispensing.
 12. The assembly of claim7, wherein the tape guide is defined by first and second substantiallyfrusto-conically shaped portions, each frusto-conically shaped portiondefining a tapered end, wherein the tapered ends of the first and secondsubstantially frusto-conically shaped portions are disposed opposite oneanother.
 13. A method for securing tape to at least one cable and afirst surface, comprising: (a) providing a tape applicator assemblyhaving a body moveable along at least one cable positioned on a firstsurface; (b) dispensing tape from the tape applicator assembly whereinthe tape has a tape center longitudinal axis, an exterior non-adhesivesurface, and an interior adhesive surface; (c) shaping the tape with atape guide into a substantially inverted V-shape such that the interioradhesive surface of the tape at an apex of the V is positioned to engagea top of the at least one cable on substantially the tape centerlongitudinal axis; (d) engaging the tape with the at least one cablesuch that the apex of the V lies substantially along the tape centerlongitudinal axis; and (e) after the tape is engaged with the at leastone cable such that the apex of the V lies substantially along the tapecenter longitudinal axis applying pressure to the tape with a wheelassembly to adhere the tape to the at least one cable and the firstsurface as the body moves along the at least one cable on the firstsurface.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the wheel assembly isconfigured to apply pressure to the tape on each side of the at leastone cable for securing the tape to the first surface.
 15. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the tape is shaped by engaging the exterior,non-adhesive surface of the tape with the tape guide as the tape ispulled from the body toward the wheel assembly.
 16. The method of claim13, wherein the tape guide is defined by first and second substantiallyfrusto-conically shaped portions, each frusto-conically shaped portiondefining a tapered end, wherein the tapered ends of the first and secondsubstantially frusto-conically shaped portions are disposed opposite oneanother.